The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. Job functions may change based on organizational need.
Job Summary
The Oncology Nurse Navigator guides cancer patients through their treatment journey, providing care coordination, education, and emotional support. Possesses oncology-specific clinical knowledge and offers individualized assistance to patients, families, and caregivers to help overcome healthcare system barriers. Using the nursing process, the Oncology Nurse Navigator, provides education and resources to facilitate informed decision making and timely access to quality healthcare and psychosocial care throughout all phases of the cancer continuum. The Oncology Nurse Navigator works directly with the oncologist to provide cohesive care within the department as well as outside services.
Essential Functions
- Serves as a single point of contact for patients, families, and caregivers helping them navigate the healthcare system and access necessary services.
- Proves comprehensive education about cancer diagnosis, treatment options, and potential side effects.
- Develops and implements individualized care plans in collaboration with the multidisciplinary healthcare team, ensuring timely treatment.
- Offers psychosocial support to patients and families, helping them cope with the emotional challenges of a cancer diagnosis
- Conducts regular follow-ups with patients to monitor their progress, report symptoms, and adjust care plans as needed
- Advocates for patients' needs and preferences in care planning and decision making processes, ensuring their voices are heard.
- Works closely with oncologists, radiologist, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate comprehensive care and improve patient outcomes.
- Facilitates timely scheduling of appointments, diagnostic testing, and procedures to expedite the plan of care and to promote continuity of care
- Connects patient with other services, such as financial counseling, cancer clinical trials, genetic counseling and other support services.
- Assists in the identification of candidates for molecular testing and/or genetic testing and counseling, and facilitates appropriate referrals
- Incoming referral review
Clinically assesses patients, provides support and education, manages the complexity of the cancer diagnosis, and communicates and collaborates with other clinicians.
- Proactively anticipates patients' needs and initiates appropriate referrals.
- Communicates physician orders, patient expectations, treatment, schedule and patient flow to pharmacy or chemotherapy RN as needed.
- Participates in coordination of the plan of care with the multidisciplinary team, promoting timely follow-up on treatment and supportive care recommendations (e.g., cancer conferences/tumor boards).
- Maintains navigator requirements as related to the Commission on Cancer accreditation.
- Functions as a clinical resource person for staff.
- Functions as a liaison between departments to maximize effective communication and teamwork.
- Establishes and maintains interdepartmental and interdisciplinary communication.
- Promotes the patient safety standards as a core value of the organization.
Other Duties
- Participates in departmental and organization wide informational meetings and in-services, including staff meetings, organization wide forums, and seminars.
- Reviews department and organization wide policies and procedures bi-annually.
Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Abilities
This position requires a working knowledge of various clinical, financial, operational, and patient satisfaction functions. This employee must be service-oriented and have excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem solving. They must exhibit leadership, professional interpersonal, independent judgment, basic math, computer, multitasking, and time management skills. This position also requires knowledge of the Hospital Information Systems in use and department specific equipment. Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Delegates appropriately and provides nursing and ancillary supervision in the provision of care to patients.
Work Environment
Physical Demands
Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Required Education and Experience
- Current AZ RN License
- Oncology Nursing Certification
- ONS Chemotherapy Biotherapy Certification
- CPR/BLS certification (required within 30 days of hire date)
- Minimum of 5 years' oncology specific training
Preferred Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree in nursing
OSHA Exposure Category:
Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.
This is a safety sensitive position.
